A COMPANY director from Blackburn charged with unlawfully killing an employee by gross negligence has had his case put back.

Peter Preston, of Rowen Park, Blackburn, was due to appear at Winchester Crown Court yesterday accused of causing the death of Christopher Shute who fell into a vat of paint at a car factory.

Preston, 50, and co-defendant Paul MacKenzie, 53, were accused after the 30-year-old factory worker died.

He slipped and fell into a giant vat of paint at the Ford paint shop in Southampton, Hants.

The pair were allegedly responsible for health and safety at the workshop.

An 18-month investigation by Hampshire Police and the Health and Safety Executive led to the arrest of the two company directors earlier this year.

Mr Shute, of Winchester Road, Southampton, was a contract worker employed by Phillips Services.

Preston and MacKenzie, who are both on bail, were ordered to appear for a new plea and directions hearing date on Friday, June 7.